Indeed, companies in the S&P 500 Index turned in 10.3% earnings growth in Q2 – the highest advance since 2011's third quarter, according to S&P Capital IQ.

Full-year profit growth for the broad-based benchmark is currently forecast to come in at 8%, up from estimates of 7.5% in July. Furthermore, full-year earnings per share expectations of $118.39 would mark an all-time record for the index.

Eaton Vance Floating-Rate Income Trust (NYSE: EFT) increased it monthly dividend 2.8% to $0.074 a share for a 6.05% yield.

The First of Long Island Corp. (Nasdaq: FLIC) boosted its quarterly dividend $0.02 to $0.28 a share for a 3.06% yield.

If you aren't a Money Morning Member, sign up now for free to see 15 more dividend stocks that just raised payouts. You'll also get this dividend investing report with three superior picks to help grow your income: The Best Dividend Strategy for Building Fortune in a Low-Yield Era

Silver is essential to a balanced portfolio – this safe-haven asset will hold its value against geopolitical conflict and market volatility. And silver has real potential to see double-digit gains this year. Find out why silver prices are set to surge, plus the four best ways to invest in silver now. Enter your email below to get the report.

Money Morning gives you access to a team of ten market experts with more than 250 years of combined investing experience – for free. Our experts – who have appeared on FOXBusiness, CNBC, NPR, and BloombergTV – deliver daily investing tips and stock picks, provide analysis with actions to take, and answer your biggest market questions. Our goal is to help our millions of e-newsletter subscribers and Moneymorning.com visitors become smarter, more confident investors.